North Carolina Sports Betting Nears Final Vote on Road To Passage
Rebecca Hanchett
June 6, 2023
North Carolina Sports Betting 2026: Best Sportsbooks & Promos
The North Carolina sports betting industry is legal, and the first NC sportsbooks began accepting wagers on March 11, 2024, after Gov. Roy Cooper signed HB 347 into law. The bill permits up to 11 sports betting apps to operate in the Tar Heel State. Right now, seven legal online sportsbooks are available to NC bettors.
This page offers the latest North Carolina sports betting news and industry updates. We also explain how online NC sportsbooks are regulated, discuss the tax rates, and highlight the importance of using regulated apps to place your bets.
Best North Carolina Sports Betting Apps for September 2026
1
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Plus Get up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus
Bet on All Your Favorite Sports With America's Top-Rated Sportsbook
To Claim: Click CLAIM OFFER
2
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Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
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3
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Use Bonus Code: OMNITODAY
4
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Daily Odds & Profit Boosts on Select Games
To Claim: Use GAMETODAY
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Earn FanCash & Spend it on Team Swag or More Bets
Daily Odds & Profit Boosts on Select Games
To Claim: Use GAMETODAY
5
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T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (AZ, CO, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA(select parishes) /MD/MI/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
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Bet $10 Get $365 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
30% Extra on Same Game Parlay Profit
T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (AZ, CO, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA(select parishes) /MD/MI/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
Use Bonus Code: GTODAY
Affiliate Disclosure: If you place a bet at one of the North Carolina sports betting apps or online casinos through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543. 21+. NC only.
Top North Carolina Sportsbook Promos and Bonuses
NC residents can sign up with each platform below and redeem the following offers.
DraftKings Sportsbook North Carolina Promotion
- DraftKings Welcome Offer: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses* Plus 20% Match up to $1,000 (*Bonus Bets Paid Over 21 Days)
- DraftKings Promo Code: Click to claim promo
DraftKings is one of the two biggest sportsbooks in North Carolina by market share, known for its deep player prop menu and a same-game parlay builder that regularly ranks among the most flexible in the industry. The app partners with NASCAR in North Carolina, giving it a built-in edge on motorsports markets alongside its usual strength in NFL and NBA coverage. DraftKings also runs the Dynasty Rewards loyalty program and the DK Network blog, both aimed at bettors who want ongoing content and perks beyond the initial sign-up.
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Plus Get up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus
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To Claim: Click CLAIM OFFER
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Plus Get up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus
Bet on All Your Favorite Sports With America's Top-Rated Sportsbook
To Claim: Click CLAIM OFFER
OH only. 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. T&Cs apply
Is There a DraftKings NC Promo Code to Redeem This Offer?
No, you do not need to enter a particular DraftKings NC promo code to redeem this offer. Click the “PLAY NOW” button above to get started with the offer applied to your account.
DraftKings Sportsbook NC App Details
- North Carolina partner: NASCAR
- App Store rating: 4.7
- Google Play rating: 4.6
- Best features: Pre-game stats, huge variety of props, regular free-to-play pools, DK Network blog, lower deposit and withdrawal limits than rivals
FanDuel Sportsbook North Carolina Promotion
- FanDuel Welcome Offer: Get $350 in Bonus Bets When You Wager $5 for 7 Days ($50 Bonus Bets Per Day)
- FanDuel Promo Code: Click to claim promo
FanDuel pairs a clean, straightforward interface with deep partnerships in the state, including deals with the PGA Tour and the Carolina Panthers, making it a strong option for golf bettors and NFL fans alike. The app is well regarded for its live streaming of NFL, MLB, and NHL games, along with fast payout processing that keeps it near the top of app store ratings. FanDuel also connects to FanDuel Racing under one account, so horse racing bettors can manage both wagering types without switching apps.
Get $350 In Bonus Bets
Get $350 In Bonus Bets
Get $350 in Bonus Bets When You Wager $5 for 7 Days ($50 Bonus Bets Per Day)
Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
Easy Deposits, Fast Withdrawals
Get $350 in Bonus Bets When You Wager $5 for 7 Days ($50 Bonus Bets Per Day)
Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
Easy Deposits, Fast Withdrawals
21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
How Do I Claim the FanDuel NC Offer?
Click the “PLAY NOW” button above to claim the FanDuel NC bonus. That link will take you to a dedicated page on the FanDuel site that confirms you have redeemed the offer described above. You can then create an account and become eligible for the welcome offer right away.
FanDuel Sportsbook NC App Details
- North Carolina partner: PGA Tour
- App Store rating: 4.9
- Google Play rating 4.6
- Best features: Bet sharing options, free-to-play contests, stats and insights, fast payouts, live streaming of NFL, MLB, and NHL games
BetMGM Sportsbook North Carolina Promotion
- BetMGM Welcome Offer: Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back on your First Bet if it Doesn’t Win*
- BetMGM Bonus Code: OMNITODAY
BetMGM brands itself as the “King of Sportsbooks” and backs that up with a loyalty program tied to MGM Resorts properties nationwide, letting North Carolina bettors earn points redeemable for hotel stays and dining well beyond the state. Its partnership with Charlotte Motor Speedway gives it a natural tie-in to NASCAR markets, and the app is frequently praised for its “Edit My Bet” feature, which lets users adjust an existing wager rather than cashing out entirely. Live streaming for certain events rounds out an app designed to retain bettors long after the welcome offer is claimed.
Up to $1,550 In Bonuses
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Exclusive $50 BetMGM Rewards Points Bonus + Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if Your First Bet Doesn’t Win*
*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET
Use Bonus Code: OMNITODAY
Exclusive $50 BetMGM Rewards Points Bonus + Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if Your First Bet Doesn’t Win*
*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET
Use Bonus Code: OMNITODAY
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET
What is the BetMGM NC Promo Code?
Use the BetMGM North Carolina bonus code OMNITODAY to claim this offer. You will notice a “Bonus Code” section on the final step of the BetMGM registration form. Type in the promo code OMNITODAY there, and you will be able to take advantage of the welcome offer.
BetMGM Sportsbook NC App Details
- North Carolina partner: Charlotte Motor Speedway
- App Store rating: 4.8
- Google Play rating: 4.5
- Best features: Option to edit open bets, excellent same-game parlay builder, a lively blog, free-to-play contests, detailed rewards program, live NBA, MLB, and NHL streaming
Fanatics Sportsbook North Carolina Promotion
- Fanatics Welcome Offer: Get up to $1,000 in FanCash Matched Bets (100% bet match up to $100 in FanCash for 10 days)
- Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code: GAMETODAY
Fanatics entered North Carolina through its acquisition of PointsBet’s US operations and has since built its identity around the FanCash rewards system, which lets bettors convert wagering activity into credit toward sports merchandise or future bets. Its partnership with the Carolina Hurricanes gives it a home-state hook for NHL bettors, and the app offers tiered FanCash rates that reward parlays and same-game parlays more heavily than straight bets. Fanatics leans on its retail merchandise business as a differentiator, positioning the sportsbook as part of a broader fan ecosystem rather than a standalone product.
Get Up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash
Get Up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash
Get a 100% Bet Match up to $100 in FanCash for 10 Days
Earn FanCash & Spend it on Team Swag or More Bets
Daily Odds & Profit Boosts on Select Games
To Claim: Use GAMETODAY
Get a 100% Bet Match up to $100 in FanCash for 10 Days
Earn FanCash & Spend it on Team Swag or More Bets
Daily Odds & Profit Boosts on Select Games
To Claim: Use GAMETODAY
OH only. 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. T&Cs apply. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Apply promotion in bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager (min odds -200) daily for 10 consecutive days starting day of account creation. FanCash rewards will equal the qualifying wager amount (max $100 FanCash/day). FanCash issued under this promotion expires at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, incl. FanCash terms, apply—see Fanatics Sportsbook app.
How Do I Claim the Fanatics Sportsbook NC Promo?
Simply click the “PLAY NOW” button on this page to claim the Fanatics Sportsbook NC promo offer. Don’t forget to enter the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code GAMETODAY when registering to make sure you receive the welcome offer.
Fanatics Sportsbook NC App Details
- North Carolina partner: Carolina Hurricanes
- App Store rating: 4.7
- Google Play rating: 4.6
- Best features: FanCash program, odds boosts, profit boosts, impressive user experience, pre-game stats, live NFL streaming.
bet365 Sportsbook North Carolina Promotion
- bet365 Welcome Offer: Bet $10 Get $365 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
- bet365 Bonus Code: GTODAY
Another great option in NC is the bet365 Sportsbook, from a long-established global operator that has steadily expanded across US states. In North Carolina, bet365 holds a partnership with the Charlotte Hornets that anchors its NBA coverage. The app is known for offering a large volume of weekly odds boosts and a live betting section that updates markets quickly during games, making it a favorite among bettors who wager in-play. bet365 also offers 24/7 phone support, a feature not every competing app matches, alongside comprehensive live streaming across multiple sports.
Bet $10, Get $365 In Bonus Bets Win or Lose
Bet $10, Get $365 In Bonus Bets Win or Lose
Bet $10 Get $365 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
30% Extra on Same Game Parlay Profit
T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (AZ, CO, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA(select parishes) /MD/MI/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
Use Bonus Code: GTODAY
Bet $10 Get $365 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
30% Extra on Same Game Parlay Profit
T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (AZ, CO, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA(select parishes) /MD/MI/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
Use Bonus Code: GTODAY
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-MY-RESET. 21+
Do I Need a bet365 Sportsbook Bonus Code When Signing Up?
Yes, you can use the bet365 NC bonus code GTODAY to make sure you’re eligible to receive the welcome bonus.
bet365 North Carolina App Details
- North Carolina partner: Charlotte Hornets
- App Store rating: 4.8
- Google Play rating: 4.6
- Best features: Detailed pre-game stats, impressive live betting section, comprehensive live streaming service, hundreds of odds boosts each week, 24/7 phone support
North Carolina Sports Betting: Quick Facts
| NC Population | 10.55 million |
|---|---|
| Legal Betting Age | 21+ |
| Sports Betting Regulator | North Carolina State Lottery Commission |
| Launch Date for NC Betting Apps | March 11, 2024 |
| Online Sportsbooks Now Live | 7 |
| Tax Rate | 23% |
North Carolina Sports Betting Laws
North Carolina legalized in-person sports betting at tribal casinos in June 2019, when Gov. Roy Cooper signed SB 154. Caesars Sportsbook launched the state’s first brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in March 2021. They are located at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River.
In March 2023, Rep. Jason Saine introduced House Bill 347, a bill seeking to legalize online sports betting in North Carolina. The House passed the bill later that month, and it gained approval in the Senate in May 2023.
Gov. Cooper officially legalized online sports betting when he signed HB 347 into law on June 14, 2023. The first online sportsbooks were cleared to launch in March 2024, just in time for the NCAA tournament.
North Carolina Sports Betting Regulator
This legislation established the North Carolina State Lottery Commission as the licensing body and regulator for authorized sports and horse racing wagering. The commission licenses and regulates sports betting and horse race wagering.
The application fee for a sports betting operator license in North Carolina is $1,000,000. A service provider license in the state is $50,000, while a supplier license is $30,000. Commission staff will facilitate payment of the application fee after an application has been submitted.
With more than 30 years of experience in the gaming industry, Sterl Carpenter joined the NC State Lottery Commission on Aug. 2, 2023, to lead its Gaming Compliance and Sports Betting division in a new role. In this position, Carpenter is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a compliance framework for regulating NC sports betting activities.
What’s the Legal Betting Age in North Carolina?
You must be at least 21 years old to participate in North Carolina sports betting.
North Carolina Sports Betting Tax Rate
The North Carolina sports betting tax rate on individuals’ gambling winnings (after deducting losses) is 5.25%. Meanwhile, the NC Department of Revenue collects a 23% tax on gross sports betting revenue from operators, up from 18% after a rate increase in the state’s 2026 budget took effect July 1. Horse racing wagers are still taxed at 1 percent of the total pari-mutuel handle.
- The rules and regulations will govern up to 11 sports wagering operators, their service providers and suppliers, and those operating advanced deposit wagering used in horse racing.
- The North Carolina General Assembly allocated up to $300,000 annually from sports betting revenue to collegiate athletic departments at 13 state universities, including Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, NC Agricultural & Technical State University, NC Central University, University of North Carolina at Asheville, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Western Carolina University, and Winston-Salem State University.
- The NC General Assembly also allocated $1 million annually to North Carolina Amateur Sports to expand opportunities in youth sports.
North Carolina Sports Betting Bill HB 347
Under the law, sports betting licenses will be valid for 5 years, and the available permits include interactive sports wagering, service provider, and sports wagering supplier licenses.
The legislation allows for state residents to place a sports wager in one of two ways: in person at a retail site or as a registered player via a mobile account. The North Carolina sports betting laws authorize wagering on professional sports, college sports, esports, amateur sports, or any other event approved by the NC Lottery Commission, as well as horse racing, both live and simulcast races.
“This legislation will help North Carolina compete, make sure taxpayers receive a share, create many good-paying jobs, and foster strong economic opportunity,” Governor Roy Cooper said in a release after signing the bill. “As we move forward, we should work to make sure more of the revenue is used to invest in our public schools, teachers, and students.”
What’s Happening in North Carolina Sports Betting News Right Now?
- July 2026: Gov. Josh Stein signs a new state budget that legalizes prediction markets in North Carolina, recognizing platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket as falling under exclusive CFTC oversight rather than state gambling law. Operators face a 6% tax on their North Carolina trading revenue and no state licensing requirements, a notably lighter touch than the states suing Kalshi elsewhere. The same budget raised the state’s sports betting tax rate from 18% to 23%, effective July 1.
- July 2026: The North Carolina State Lottery Commission closes out the state’s 2026 fiscal year with $7.62 billion wagered on sports since July 2025, generating roughly $143.1 million in state tax revenue under the prior 18% rate.
- April 2025: House Bill 828, sponsored by Rep. Marcia Morey, is introduced to ban prop bets on individual college player performances and restrict in-person wagering near college sports venues in North Carolina. The bill has remained stalled in a House committee since April 9, 2025, though it could gain fresh attention following the North Carolina A&T sports betting investigation.
- March 6, 2026: The NCAA ruled two former North Carolina A&T basketball players ineligible after they refused to cooperate with an investigation into suspicious betting activity on four Aggies games between December 2024 and January 2025. Investigators found photos and text messages showing betting slips on the players’ phones before they transferred out of the program.
What Sports Can I Bet on in North Carolina?
On Nov. 16, 2023, the North Carolina State Lottery Commission approved its list of all sanctioned sporting events and wagers.
Betting in North Carolina is allowed on professional and college sports, electronic sports, amateur sports, or any other event approved by the commission. Residents are now able to bet on Duke University, the University of North Carolina, and NC State, in addition to mainstream sports like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, golf, tennis, and NASCAR.
For further details, review the North Carolina sports wagering catalog.
| ✅ Approved Sports and Wagering Events | ❌ Unapproved Sports and Wagering Events |
|---|---|
| ✅ Major Sports Leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NFL) | 🚫 Injuries |
| ✅ College Sports | 🚫 Penalties |
| ✅ Boxing | 🚫 The outcome of disciplinary proceedings against a participant in a sporting event |
| ✅ Olympics | 🚫 Youth sports |
| ✅ MMA | 🚫 The outcome of replay review |
| ✅ Motorsports |
What Can I Not Bet on in North Carolina?
Per the North Carolina State Lottery Commission, licensed operators cannot offer wagers on any of the following:
- Sports wagering involving youth sports. Youth sports means an event in which the majority of participants are under the age of 18 or are competing on behalf of or under the sponsorship of one or more public or private preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary schools.
- The occurrence of injuries.
- The occurrence of penalties.
- The outcome of disciplinary proceedings against a participant in a sporting event.
- The outcome of replay reviews.
- The placing of a pari-mutuel wager.
Sportsbook Partnerships With NC Sports Teams
As many as 11 legal online sportsbooks, including eight retail sites at professional sports venues in the state, can launch in North Carolina under the revised set of sports betting rules. The rules state that each operator must have an agreement with a professional sports organization. Below are the sportsbooks that have already established market access through their local partnerships.
| 📱NC Sportsbook | 🤝 Local Partner | ✅ Now Live | 🎰 Retail Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📱DraftKings | 🏁 NASCAR | Live for Mobile | N/A |
| 📱FanDuel | ⛳️ PGA Tour and 🏈 Carolina Panthers | Live for Mobile | N/A |
| 📱BetMGM | 🏁 Charlotte Motor Speedway | Live for Mobile | N/A |
| 📱Fanatics | 🏒 Carolina Hurricanes | Live for Mobile | N/A |
| 📱Caesars | 🎰 Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission | Live for Mobile and Retail | Harrah's Cherokee Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Catawba Two Kings Casino |
| 📱Bet365 | 🏀 Charlotte Hornets | Live for Mobile | N/A |
| 📱theScore Bet | ⛳️ Quail Hollow Club and Wells Fargo Championship | Live for Mobile | N/A |
NC Sports Betting Legislation Timeline
It took North Carolina some time to legalize online sports wagering. For years, the Tar Heel State lost plenty of potential revenue to neighboring states with expanded gaming.
Here is how the path to legal online NC sports wagering came to fruition.
On March 21, House Bill 347 cleared the House Commerce Committee by a vote of 17-10. Following a vigorous debate, the North Carolina House voted 66-45 in favor of the mobile NC sports betting bill on March 28, 2023. The North Carolina House Rules Committee passed the bipartisan bill on March 28, fast-tracking it for a full house vote. Gov. Roy Cooper signed HB 347 into law on June 14, 2023.
It appeared that 2022 would be the year that online North Carolina betting sites would be legalized, but the House vote failed to garner enough support. A dramatic turn saw SB 688 lose by a single vote in the House, 51-50, on June 22, 2022.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians become the first to offer legal sports betting in North Carolina at casinos in Cherokee and Murphy.
In July 2019, North Carolina passed a law that allowed it to amend its compacts with federally recognized tribes operating casinos in the state to open a sportsbook for legal sports betting.
NC Retail Sportsbooks: Where To Bet in North Carolina
In-person wagering is currently available but limited to a few tribal casino locations in the state. Retail sports wagering will launch on a case-by-case basis in the state as operators meet standard requirements.
Currently, North Carolina retail sports betting is allowed only at the casinos located on tribal lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Catawba Indian Nation. North Carolina has three active casinos:
- Catawba Two Kings Casino
- Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
- Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel
The Carolina Panthers’ Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte), Charlotte Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, Carolina Hurricanes’ PNC Arena (Raleigh), Quail Hollow Country Club (Charlotte), Sedgefield Country Club (Greensboro), Charlotte Hornets’ Spectrum Center (Charlotte), and WakeMed Soccer Park (Cary) were all eligible to apply for both retail locations and digital platforms.
Before the 2023-24 NFL season, the Catawba Two Kings Casino announced it had opened an on-property sportsbook in September 2022, bringing sports wagering to the greater Charlotte area. The temporary casino features a branded Catawba Two Kings Casino sportsbook, agent/teller services with betting voucher redemption, and 30 betting kiosks throughout the facility.
North Carolina Retail Sportsbooks and Casinos
| Location | Sportsbook | 📍Address | Opening Times | Odds Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏦 Catawba Two Kings Sportsbook | Two Kings Sportsbook | 📍538 Kings Mountain Blvd., Kings Mountain, NC 28086 | 24 hours | IGT |
| 🏦 Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort | Caesars Sportsbook | 📍777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719 | Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m.-12 a.m. Friday: 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 a.m. Sunday: 9 a.m.-12 a.m. | Caesars |
| 🏦 Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel | Caesars Sportsbook | 📍777 Casino Pkwy, Murphy, NC 28906 | Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m.-12 a.m. Friday: 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 a.m. Sunday: 9 a.m.-12 a.m. | Caesars |
More Legal North Carolina Gambling Options
In addition to legal NC online sportsbooks, there are other fun forms of gambling North Carolina bettors can consider.
| NC Gambling Alternative | Legal? |
|---|---|
| 🪙 Social Sportsbooks | ✅ Yes |
| 💰Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) | ✅ Yes |
| 🐎 Horse Racing Betting | ✅ Yes |
| 💸 Lottery | ✅ Yes |
| 🔮 Prediction Markets | ✅ Yes |
| 🎁 Sweepstakes Casinos | ✅ Yes |
| 🤑 Online Casinos | ❌ No |
| ♠️ Online Poker | ❌ No |
Horse Racing Betting in North Carolina
Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing was included in the North Carolina sports betting bill, but as of April 2024, the state lottery commission is still formalizing rules for horse racing, and no operator has applied for a license to take bets on horse racing in the state. House Rep. Jason Saine’s (R, Lincolntown) bill cleared the Senate by a vote of 37-11 on June 1 after the Senate added language authorizing horse racing and horse race betting in North Carolina.
Adding horse betting in North Carolina marks a significant shift for a state that previously only allowed charitable horse racing and no pari-mutuel wagering outside tribal lands. North Carolina has discussed legalizing horse race betting for years, with the last push for a legal Thoroughbred racing industry in 2021. Sen. Paul Lowe and Sen. Jim Perry sponsored the North Carolina Derby Act.
Live horse racing in North Carolina is currently limited to charitable thoroughbred racing at the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase near Charlotte and some harness racing.
Social Sportsbooks in North Carolina
Unlike traditional real-money betting sites, social sportsbooks like Fliff are play-for-fun platforms that turn sports predictions into social games. Fliff is available to residents of North Carolina, and you don’t need actual cash to make sports picks on Fliff. Customers can instead wager with Fliff Coins in social mode or Fliff Cash for the opportunity to earn rewards and prizes.
Bingo in North Carolina
Bingo in North Carolina is legal only if the charitable organization has a current charitable bingo license.
North Carolina Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
The country’s leading daily fantasy sports (DFS) apps accept players based in North Carolina. The state has never explicitly permitted fantasy sports contests, and the NC Lottery Commission did not include DFS regulations when it issued the first set of sports betting rules in November 2023.
However, DFS contests have never been outlawed in North Carolina either, so apps like DraftKings and FanDuel have always welcomed players from the Tar Heel State. Sports fans in North Carolina can sign up with a wide range of DFS apps.
Traditional DFS Apps
DraftKings and FanDuel have historically dominated the DFS market in North Carolina. Both apps cover a wide range of leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, plus college football, college basketball, soccer, golf, and various other sports.
They are similar, but they have slightly different scoring rules. FanDuel and DraftKings also offer unique bonuses and contests, so many DFS enthusiasts hold accounts with both of them.
Challenger DFS Apps
However, the DraftKings and FanDuel duopoly is under threat from a series of innovative challengers. Rivals like PrizePicks and Betr offer pick’em style contests, which focus on player stat categories, providing sports fans with an intriguing alternative to FanDuel and DraftKings.
Underdog Fantasy is also popular in many states, as it follows a similar format to prize picks. However, the Underdog Fantasy app is no longer available in North Carolina. The company pulled the pick’em fantasy product from the state to ensure it received an online sports betting license.
Additional options include Sleeper Fantasy and SuperDraft Fantasy, so the North Carolina DFS market is vibrant and competitive. If you are interested in playing at any of these fantasy sports apps, follow the links provided below to redeem the best welcome bonuses.
DFS Apps: Betr Promo Code | PrizePicks Fantasy Promo Code | SuperDraft Fantasy Promo Code
How NC Sports Betting Compares to Betting in Nearby States
The push to legalize sports betting in North Carolina was heightened by the proximity to its neighboring states, including Tennessee and Virginia, both of which have been reaping the rewards of regulated mobile sports betting.
Unlike Tennessee, which offers online wagering only and no retail sportsbook sites, North Carolina has three locations where its residents and visitors can place sports wagers.
While Virginia’s sports betting legislation includes a law against betting on in-state collegiate teams, North Carolina residents can wager on in-state college teams without restrictions.
Pros and Cons of North Carolina Sports Betting
The legalization of online sports betting in North Carolina puts the Tar Heel State in line to compete with its neighbors that already have expanded gaming for mobile sportsbooks.
Here are the key benefits of legalized sports betting in NC thus far:
- You can bet on more than 20 professional sports in North Carolina, including every game featuring the Panthers, Hurricanes, Hornets, and Charlotte FC.
- College sports betting is also legal, including straight bets and prop bets. You can wager on games featuring in-state teams in North Carolina too.
- There are eight rival NC sports betting apps and several NC sportsbook promos to choose from in this competitive market.
- You can register with multiple NC sportsbooks and shop for the best odds. That allows you to maximize your winnings on each successful pick.
- Legal NC sportsbooks are tightly regulated, so they must grade bets fairly, implement robust security measures, and provide reliable payouts.
Some of the drawbacks of North Carolina sports betting include:
- There are only three retail sportsbooks right now, and they are inconveniently located for most bettors in the Tar Heel State.
- North Carolina has fewer online sportsbooks than some states, and the law permits no more than 11 sports betting apps.
- Prop bets on college sports are currently legal, but Rep. Marcia Morey (D) has introduced a bill seeking to prohibit them.
Responsible Gaming in North Carolina
Responsible gambling has become a more significant part of the conversation within the sports betting industry. Gaming Today has compiled North Carolina gambling resources to help NC bettors have a safe and enjoyable experience while getting the most out of NC sports betting sites.
The NC Problem Gambling Program provides effective problem gambling prevention, education, outreach, treatment, and recovery services. The new law allocates an additional $2 million annually to expand the program.
Free, confidential help is already available 24/7 through the NC Problem Gambling Program. You can talk, text, or chat online with a trained and licensed clinician who can provide free counseling services.
The law also requires the North Carolina Commission to establish a voluntary self-exclusion program so anyone can voluntarily exclude themselves from sports wagering or horse race wagering for a predetermined amount of time. Additionally, licensed sports betting operators in North Carolina must commit to responsible betting.
- Talk: 877-718-5543
- Text: “morethanagamenc” to 53342
- Chat: morethanagame.nc.gov
More Resources for North Carolina Sports Bettors
North Carolina Sports Betting FAQ
Yes, online sports betting is legal in North Carolina. Gov. Roy Cooper signed expanded sports betting legislation into law in June 2023, clearing the way for sports betting apps and websites to launch on March 11, 2024. Anyone aged 21 or older can bet on sports in the Tar Heel State.
Some forms of online gambling are legal in North Carolina, including online sportsbooks, fantasy sports apps, racebooks, and social casinos. However, online casinos and poker rooms are still illegal in the Tar Heel State, and you cannot buy lottery tickets online in North Carolina, either.
North Carolina’s sports betting rules require you to be 21 or older and physically located within state lines. You can bet on professional and college sports if you sign up with a regulated online sportsbook. Legal sports betting sites must follow strict rules, which are designed to ensure North Carolinians enjoy a fair, secure online wagering experience.
Yes, DraftKings is one of the legal online sportsbooks that launched in North Carolina when mobile apps went live on March 11, 2024. DraftKings also runs fantasy sports contests in the Tar Heel State. You can earn Dynasty Rewards points whenever you bet on sports or enter fantasy sports contests at DraftKings in North Carolina.
Yes, FanDuel Sportsbook is legal in North Carolina. The company partnered with the PGA Tour to gain market access in the Tar Heel State, and FanDuel has also signed a partnership agreement with the Carolina Panthers. FanDuel also offers a fantasy sports app in North Carolina.
No. You simply need to be physically located in the Tar Heel State to use NC sports betting apps and websites. That means sports fans from neighboring states can visit North Carolina to bet online.
You must be 21 or older to bet on sports online in North Carolina. When you sign up for an account, you will be asked to provide your name and your date of birth. The online sportsbook will then take steps to verify your age, so you may need to upload an ID card, such as your driver’s license.
There are currently seven legal online sportsbooks in North Carolina: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Fanatics, bet365, theScoreBet, and Caesars. State law permits up to 11 legal sports betting apps, so there is still room for another three to launch in the future.
Yes, it is legal to bet on college sports in North Carolina, provided you are 21 or older. State law permits online sportsbooks to take bets on games featuring college teams based in the state, such as Duke and UNC. Some states prohibit prop bets on college sports, but prop bets are allowed in North Carolina.
Offshore sportsbooks do not operate legally in North Carolina. They are based overseas, and they do not comply with state or federal laws, so you cannot trust them to keep you safe, grade your bets fairly, or pay out when you win. We recommend avoiding offshore sportsbooks and using legal sites like Caesars Sportsbook and BetMGM instead.
